Explosion at Qatar gas facility injures 54 amid Iran-US conflict

Key facts

• An explosion occurred at Qatar's Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan.
• The blast injured at least 54 people and left 18 missing.
• The incident happened as workers attempted to restart operations after alleged Iranian bombing.
• Qatar's Interior Ministry initially reported a technical incident at a factory with no injuries.
• Witnesses reported hearing loud booms and seeing projectile trails over Doha.
• Qatar's airspace was closed earlier in the day due to regional developments.

An explosion tore through Qatar’s Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan on Sunday night, injuring at least 54 people and leaving 18 missing. The blast occurred while workers were attempting to restart operations after Iran allegedly bombed the terminal amid escalating Iran-US tensions. Qatar's Interior Ministry had initially stated that a factory explosion in Ras Laffan was due to a technical incident with no injuries or leaks. However, witness accounts reported hearing loud booms and seeing projectile trails over Doha, and Qatar's airspace was closed earlier in the day due to "regional developments." The incident follows Iran's threats to retaliate against U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, with U.S. President Donald Trump having authorized a raid on Iranian nuclear infrastructure over the weekend. Iran's armed forces claimed to have targeted Al Udeid base.